The Church's Purpose

Sunday Morning March 11th, 2007

Matthew 5:1-16

The churches in our association are presently planning an area-wide evangelistic crusade.  I must confess that I find it really difficult to get excited about such an effort.  My reticence is based upon past experience and upon my study of the methods of Jesus. 

The Bible was written to and for believers and sermons are meant primarily for those that have already accepted Jesus as Savior.  Why should we expect that lost people are going to attend a gathering to hear the preaching of the Gospel when a large percentage of those calling themselves Christians do not attend church on a regular basis?  Lost people do not attend church services these days unless believers have been seriously at work in their midst.    

Jesus’ method of evangelism called for training, equipping, and commissioning of disciples.  The Lord looked out upon the multitudes with compassion and was often moved to confront their needs with food and miracles.  But always, His main effort was given to preparing the disciples to carry the truth to the people.  Evangelism is a significant part of our purpose here but it is not our only reason for being.  God wants us to grow in our relationship with Him, and to become ever more like His Son. We serve only to complicate our lives when we fail to realize that these two objectives are alone to be the focus for our lives. 

I.                   What Is Our Purpose?

A.     It is to live and become one with Him

B.     We are the salt of the earth

1.      To preserve humankind

2.      To make others thirsty for the truth

3.      Do we have a faith that is appealing to those without faith?

C.  We are the light of the world

    1.  Examples for the world – in but not of

        - The elephant cage at Misawa could be

          seen for miles

2.      A lamp is lit to be seen and to give 

       light for revelation

         - Nell West’s living room – no dark

            corners

II.                 Be Salt and Light or Nothing

A.     Light can be covered up and salt can be diluted

1.      We must remain focused on the main thing

2.      We must not waste our resources on the insignificant and meaningless

B.     Our imperfect example shows God’s love/grace better than any sermon

1.      Though never perfect, God can and will use us

2.      This church is for sinners!

          Jesus’ word is for us to love one another and live our lives as best we can – with the Spirit’s help.  We are sometimes confused by the antics of others and made to believe that we must be doing something ministerial all the time.  If we are living for Him and loving one another then true ministry cannot help but occur!